FACTORS WHICH AFFECT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AMONG WOMEN IN WESTERN KENYA: A CASE STUDY IN KERICHO COUNTY

Abstract

This study seeks to throw more light on the effects of socio-cultural factors in the management of sexually related and gender-based violence (SGBV) against women in Kericho County, Kenya. The following objectives are used to guide this study: (i) Establishment on how domestic violence affects women and families in the region. (ii) Explanation on the cultural norms used to manage Sexual and Gender Based Violence. (iii) Examination on how the Government is involved in assisting domestic violence victims in the region. (iv) Identification of the necessary corrective measures being taken to stop and ensure that violence does not recur. The study includes questionnaires, one-on-one interviews and a case study used to conduct the research. The target population for this study is the people living in Kericho County, facing domestic based violence. The study settled on census sampling to carry out the research. The selected size sample for this study was one hundred and fifty respondents. In this study, the data obtained was done by applying descriptive statistical tools and SPSS software. The results accumulated were expressed in a format involving percentages and statistical methods. The obtained information in the work, gathered from the view of many professionals, is important to the Government of Kenya (Gok) in the implementation of planning programs. Based on the survey results, the researcher came to a conclusion that the rehabilitation programs, resulted to moderate impacts on violence against female community. Victims of domestic based violence was financially supported and empowered, and plans were made to provide temporary shelters for the victims. However, interviewees said that not all the services provided were free. Most of the victims said that they were charged some fee in order to get such services, which resulted in most of them not participating. Educational interventions, such as raising awareness, social gatherings and media, educated the victims more about domestic violence. Members of the society stigmatized victims of gender-based violence and this made them feel uncomfortable. Group interventions, such as couple counseling and the management of short temper and anger, were found to offer solutions on the short-term, while on the other hand free legal advice helped victims exit abusive marriages much faster. Services available for survivors of domestic violence 4 were a challenge. This was because there are not many attorneys' providing free legal advice which limited the number of victims assisted.